Our work in Kenya

Hope for a Family program unites Kenyans

Kenya is a diverse nation with more than 40 different ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language and culture. The CFCA program in Kenya strives to work across these groups and be a unifying force among various communities.

Through our three project locations in Kenya, children can access better educational opportunities that would otherwise be too difficult to afford.

Through the CFCA program in Kenya, mothers of sponsored children are also being assisted in developing their own means of earning income to support their families.

CFCA projects in Kenya put the decision-making in the hands of the mothers. The mothers have the freedom to choose which benefits they need and when they need them. These benefits can include tuition fees and help with other school costs, nutrition, health and dental care, livelihood programs, and birthday and Christmas celebrations.

Mothers groups offer empowerment, healing

A hallmark of CFCA's Hope for a Family program is personalized benefits and attention. We don't believe one size fits all, and we strive to work with families to empower them to make choices for themselves.

The Kenya projects work with mothers groups as a way to meet this goal. These small groups of mothers of CFCA sponsored children meet to provide support and encouragement, determine benefits, help shape the CFCA project, and provide small loans and savings opportunities.

"Through mothers groups, we are empowered and we feel part and parcel of the CFCA family," said Beatrice, a mother from the Meru project. "We have a voice to give ideas, share experiences, and also we learn more from each other."

The groups have fostered a sense of ownership and empowered the women to be more involved in budgeting and planning for the future. They have a voice in improving their lives and the lives of their children and are excited to partner with CFCA.

"Together, we will create a brighter future for our children and be a self-reliant community," Beatrice said.

CFCA mothers groups have successfully brought members of different communities together for work and cooperation in project activities. The groups form based on where the mothers live rather than on tribal affiliations, which results in more ethnic and political diversity.

Families value education

Kenyans place a high value on education. There are good schools in Kenya, but quality schooling is expensive. The Hope for a Family program helps families to meet these educational expenses, which make up the largest portion of benefits for most sponsored children in Kenya.

One sponsored youth, Jacklyn, wants to be a nurse and attends a boarding school, which is common in Kenya. Despite her heavy course load, she has been making excellent grades and is excited to become a nurse.

The Nairobi project youth groups help address the personal challenges poverty can bring in a young person's life. Sponsored youths 13 and older attend the meetings, which are designed to develop self-confidence and help youths realize their potential and dreams for the future.

Since the project started youth groups in 2009, the improvement has been noticeable. The youth enjoy interacting with one another, sharing problems and finding ways to deal with them. They are cultivating a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

Sarah, 21, studies human resource management at a university in Nairobi. "I appreciate the role the youth program has played in my life," Sarah said. "Just like the youth group's motto states, 'More hope. More dignity,' I can confidently say my hope and dignity have been rekindled."

Read the full youth group blog post.